Erin Bamer

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Erin Bamer

A bill that would put roughly $77 million into filling Nebraska's budget deficit by adjusting the state's teacher retirement plan was given an early green light, despite procedural concerns. LB645, introduced by state Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, would lower the contribution rate to the Statewide School Retirement Plan for teachers, school districts and the state. The bill advanced through its first of three rounds of floor debate in a 38-0 vote Thursday.

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Erin Bamer

Nebraska lawmakers advanced a controversial bill Tuesday dealing with the handling of abortion remains, but its future in the Legislature remains uncertain. LB632, introduced by state Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, would require health care facilities to bury or cremate the remains of elective abortions. The bill narrowly overcame a filibuster in a 33-13 vote, receiving just enough votes to pass a filibuster-ending cloture motion. The vote moved the bill to the second of three rounds of floor debate.

1 week ago | omaha.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that Charity Menefee, director of the division of public health for Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services, is resigning after four years with the department. According to a press release, Menefee chose to step down to spend more time with her family. Her last day is May 9. The press release did not offer any information about interim leadership in her absence, or the selection of Menefee's replacement.

1 week ago | omaha.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Debate over a controversial bill dealing with the handling of abortion remains will extend to a second day as the first day of floor debate reached an unconventional end Monday evening. Legislative Bill 632, introduced by State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, would require health care facilities bury or cremate the remains of elective abortions. Opponents argued the bill was a "backdoor attempt" to ban abortion. The bill is currently facing a filibuster, which will require 33 votes to overcome.

1 week ago | omaha.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — A letter from State Auditor Mike Foley Monday warned Nebraska lawmakers about large corporate tax incentives depleting state revenues in an already tough budget year. The letter concluded that over the next four fiscal years, roughly $1.5 billion will be spent on corporate tax incentives, which is expected to have a major impact in available general fund dollars in upcoming state budgets.